Sports medicine experts gave talks and demonstrations at the 18th Annual Razorback Sports Medicine Symposium.
Sports medicine professionals and students recently gathered at Hillside Auditorium for the 18th Annual Razorback Sports Medicine Symposium. This symposium is an interactive summit by the College of Education and Health Professions that helps educate local health care providers on best sports medicine practices.
The theme of this year's symposium was “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sports-Related Concussion Rehabilitation,” with leading experts speaking on rehabilitation interventions and other aspects of sports-related concussion.
“Conferences like the Razorback Sports Medicine Symposium provide opportunities for dialogue about how to work together as a team to manage patient cases, learn about different perspectives and approaches to care, and effectively move patients through the healthcare process. “It's a great place to be,” said Rujita Vera, director of the Master's Program in Athletic Training and associate professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation.
The 18th symposium attracted a total of 140 participants from a variety of fields including athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medicine, the largest number in the history of the event.
Associate Professor RJ Elvin, who leads the Sports Concussion Laboratory, frequently presents research on best practices for concussion rehabilitation and shared some of his findings at the symposium.
Additional faculty and practicing professionals from a variety of backgrounds and institutions presented on topics related to the symposium theme, including a team of members of the Inova Sports Medicine Concussion Program. Inova's Concussion Program has extensive training and experience in the clinical management of concussions and a proven track record of working with school districts to overhaul their concussion management plans and policies.
Ervin and other presenters were able to share their experience managing hundreds of sports-related concussions each year. Berra said the day's main takeaway was that a team-based approach to concussion diagnosis and individualized rehabilitation plans helps athletes feel better and get back to school, life and sports. .
Three of the Inova team members met with sports medicine experts and school district officials the day before the symposium to explore concussion treatment models in Arkansas. Christina Dollar, clinical research coordinator for the Inova team, then met with her graduate and undergraduate students to discuss her own career path.
The symposium was sponsored by the Master of Athletic Training Program and sponsored by the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. his WE CARE grant from the College of Education and Health Professions; Arkansas Children's Hospital. Henry Schein Medical Products; and Wright's Barbecue. Approved continuing education credits were also provided to several athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physical therapy assistants.
“We want to teach students about the important role that continuing education plays in evolving clinical practice and provide opportunities for them to disseminate their research and engage in conversations with future colleagues.” Mr. Vera said. “This helps them build a community of practice before they graduate from our program and is very helpful in their transition to the profession.”
